Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick leaves federal court after being convicted Monday, March 11, 2013, in Detroit, of corruption charges, ensuring a return to prison for a man once among the nation's youngest big-city leaders. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Ryan Garza)

DETROIT, MI – With a crowd of reporters and photographers sprinting from one side of the courthouse to the other trying to get photos and reaction from Kwame Kilpatrick after he was found guilty in his federal corruption trial, the straight-faced former mayor swiftly got into a waiting car without speaking.

The west-side resident who has been watching the case unfold over the past decade said he's relieved the trial is finally over.

"It was a long, drawn-out process," he said.

"I felt like he was going to go free. I thought the prosecution’s case was weak. It seems like justice has been served, though."

Kilpatrick, 42, was elected mayor in 2001 at 31.

Resident Khalid Johnson said Kilpatrick was at first symbol of hope.

"He was a young mayor," he said. "He was going to make a change. A lot of people had faith in him. Not anymore.

“You do your dirt, you’re going to pay for it...

“I’m a longtime resident and I’m here forever. Just got to get rid of the bad. Out with the bad and in with the good.”

Kilpatrick was convicted on 24 of 30 counts, including racketeering and extortion. His friend and city contractor Bobby Ferguson was found guilty on nine of 11 racketeering and extortion counts. Kilpatrick's father Bernard Kilpatrick was convicted of filing a false tax return.

A 1:30 p.m. hearing is scheduled to determine whether he will remain free on bond until sentencing or be taken into custody immediately.